The Ultimate Guide to the North Island’s 30 Most Instagrammable Spots (and where to find them!)
We’ve all experienced it: scrolling through photos, mesmerised by an improbable volcano, a geothermal wonderland, or a classic coastal view. The challenge of New Zealand's North Island, or Te Ika-a-Māui, is that it’s simply overloaded with iconic, calendar-worthy views, and they are rarely in the same postcode. (For the full national journey, be sure to check out our companion guide: 30 Iconic South Island Locations Every Traveller Should Visit!).
You need a plan. You need a guide. And most importantly, you need to stop driving in circles chasing these incredible views.
We’ve solved the map-matching puzzle. We’ve compiled 30 of the North Island’s most Instagrammable locations, organised them geographically from top to bottom into six distinct zones, and shown you exactly where to go to point your camera—how easy is that?
Forget the outdated travel brochures; this is your definitive itinerary for exploring the vibrant, volcanic, and culturally rich heart of New Zealand.
🌴 Northland's Coastal Gems
The spiritual northernmost tip of New Zealand, where the Tasman Sea clashes dramatically with the Pacific Ocean below an iconic lighthouse. Find it at the very top of Northland (via SH 1).
A crescent-shaped white-sand beach known for its clear water and the striking memorial to the Rainbow Warrior bombing victims, located on a hilltop overlooking the bay. Find it north of Kawakawa, Northland.
A stunning free-access system of limestone caves known for its spectacular glowworm display, accessible via a short walk. Find it near Waipu, Northland.
Often cited as one of New Zealand's most beautiful swimming beaches, this sheltered bay offers fine white sand, pohutukawa trees, and clear, tranquil turquoise water. Find it near Tutukaka, Northland.
5. Cape Brett Lighthouse & Trek
A spectacular full-day hike that follows a rugged ridgeline to one of Northland’s most iconic landmarks. The track leads you through native bush, past dramatic cliff edges, and ends at the historic Cape Brett Lighthouse overlooking the deep blue of the Pacific.
🏙️ Auckland & The Coromandel
A beautiful cascading waterfall just a short walk from Karekare Beach, surrounded by lush native bush and steep cliffs typical of Auckland’s rugged west coast. Its tranquil pool and picturesque drop make it one of the region’s most photogenic natural spots.
Auckland's most iconic black-sand beach, featuring the magnificent Lion Rock—a volcanic monolith—rising from the surf. Find it on the West Coast of Auckland.
A massive, naturally-formed archway connecting two idyllic beaches, famously featured in The Chronicles of Narnia. Find it near Hahei, Coromandel Peninsula (access requires a walk or water taxi).
A unique experience where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand during low tide, thanks to geothermal activity below the surface. Find it on the Coromandel Peninsula.
🐑 The Waikato Heartland
The perfectly preserved village from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, with its iconic Hobbit Holes and the Green Dragon Inn. Find it near Matamata, Waikato.
11. Blue Spring (Te Waihou Walkway)
Famed for having some of the clearest water in the world, this is where most of New Zealand’s bottled water is sourced. The water here appears an impossible sapphire blue. Find it near Putaruru, Waikato.
Take a silent boat ride through the darkness beneath thousands of twinkling glowworms in the subterranean network. Find it in Waitomo, Waikato.
Often described as the most beautiful waterfall in New Zealand, this wide, classically-tiered cascade is easily viewed after a short walk in dense native forest. Find it near Waitomo, Waikato.
14. Bridal Veil Falls (Waireinga)
A breathtaking 55-metre horsetail waterfall that plunges dramatically over a cliff face. Viewing platforms offer spectacular views from the top and bottom of the gorge. Find it near Raglan, Waikato.
🔥 Rotorua & Bay of Plenty
15. Mount Maunganui Summit (Mauao)
A prominent volcano offering panoramic views of Tauranga, the harbour, and the Bay of Plenty coastline after a short climb. Find it in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty.
16. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Home to the neon-green Devil’s Bath and the bright orange/rust-coloured Champagne Pool, showcasing intense geothermal colours. Find it near Rotorua.
The world's youngest geothermal system, featuring stunning lakes and boiling water features in a lush valley setting. Find it near Rotorua.
The largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, erupting naturally up to 20 times a day to heights of 30 metres. Find it at Te Puia, Rotorua.
19. The Redwoods Forest and Tree Walk
Famous for its majestic groves of Californian Redwoods, offering walking and mountain biking tracks beneath the giants. Find it in Rotorua.
🏔️ Taupō & The Central Volcanoes
A secluded, photogenic jetty that stretches into the calm, deep lake, often backed by the dramatic landscape of Mount Tarawera. Find it near The Landing, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua.
The spot where the Waikato River is funnelled into a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular, churning blue-white torrent of water. Find it near Taupō.
22. Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings - Lake Taupō
The massive caldera lake, famous for its hidden Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay, best viewed by boat or kayak. Find it on the western side of Lake Taupō.
23. The Emerald Lakes & Mount Ngauruhoe
The quintessential volcanic experience. This entry covers the highly coloured Emerald Lakes and the cinematic cone of Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom) seen from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Find it along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park.
🌅 The Lower Coasts (Eastland, Taranaki & Wairarapa)
The longest historic wooden wharf in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching 660 metres into the ocean. It’s an unforgettable walk with vast coastal views. Find it in Tolaga Bay, East Coast.
The iconic East Coast setting and ancestral home featured in the film Whale Rider, known for its distinctive island pa (fortified village) site visible just offshore. Find it near Gisborne, East Coast.
- Kent Road - Mt. Taranaki View
The quintessential "road shot" of Mount Taranaki, with the perfectly conical volcano dominating the horizon down a scenic country road. Find it near New Plymouth, Taranaki (be mindful of traffic and parking).
27. Tongaporutu (Three Sisters & Elephant Rock)
Dramatic wave-cut sandstone sea stacks that are only accessible at low tide. Find it north of New Plymouth, accessible at low tide from the Tongaporutu River mouth.
28. The Pouakai Tarns Reflection
The ultimate photo spot on the mountain, offering a chance to capture the near-perfect, snow-capped conical volcano (Taranaki Maunga) reflected in the still alpine pools. Find it via the challenging Mangorei Track in Egmont National Park, Taranaki.
An otherworldly landscape of earth pillars (hoodoos) formed by erosion, famously used as the Dimholt Road in The Lord of the Rings. Find it on the Wairarapa Coast.
An isolated, striking white lighthouse and a dramatic limestone reef jutting into the ocean. Perfect for a moody coastal shot. Find it in Castlepoint, Wairarapa.
Thirty Iconic Views - heaps of adventures! Six distinct regions. Zero excuses left to say you missed the most instagrammable spots in New Zealand's North Island! The North Island offers a different journey than the South, trading massive glaciers for massive volcanoes and tranquil lakes for intense geothermal activity. It rewards the dedicated traveller who seeks out culture, history, and vibrant, natural colour—be it the neon pools of Wai-O-Tapu or the perfect cone of Mount Taranaki. The roads here are the experiences, and every region, from the tropical north to the bustling capital, holds a photograph that you’ve already fallen in love with. So pack the bug spray, charge the camera battery, and embrace the sheer variety of the landscape. Your biggest challenge now won't be finding the view, but narrowing down which one is your absolute favourite.
Campsites
View and book paid and free campsites near you
Guides and Blogs
Inspiration, suggestions, ideas, guides, and more!
Download Australia and New Zealand's #1 free road trip app
Install today and start planning your next holiday
